English Reference
Idiom idiom

make it up as one goes along


To improvise continuously.

Meaning adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.


SIMPLE

I forgot my speech, so I made it up as I went along.

CONTEXTUAL

The project plan was unclear, so the team had to make it up as they went along to finish on time.

COMPLEX

Without a formal script or rehearsal, the actors made it up as they went along, creating a surprisingly compelling performance for the audience.


Related idioms8entries
  1. 01

    a little of something goes a long way

    Only a small amount of something is usually required to produce a great effect.

  2. 02

    absence makes the heart grow fonder

    One feels more love or affection for those one loves when parted from them.

  3. 03

    anything goes

    There are no rules or restrictions.

  4. 04

    as best one can

    In the best possible way, given one's circumstances and abilities.

  5. 05

    as far as one knows

    To the best of one's knowledge, as far as someone knows or possible information to be gathered about the topic, subject, aspect, or situation.

  6. 06

    back to square one

    Located back at the start, as after a dead end or failure.

  7. 07

    balloon goes up

    Something exciting, risky, or troublesome begins.

  8. 08

    beat as one

    To share the same feelings.

Last updated August 10, 2026